WHAT IS MY BALLET LEOTARD MADE OF?

Nylon, LYCRA®, Cotton, Microfiber, Polyamide, Polyester, Spandex, Supplex®…Help!! WHAT JERSEY SHOULD I BUY?

When we want to buy a dance leotard we find that there is a wide variety of fabrics. But do you really know the differences between them?

We have all found ourselves lost among so many names and without really knowing what we are buying. The reality is that the different tissues are composed of four types of fibers mainly, that they combine with each other in different proportions, to form fabrics with different characteristics. We are going to see more in detail about each fiber, so that you can learn more about the properties of your jerseys and you can decide according to your needs the one that best suits each occasion.

  • Cotton.

We all know that natural fibers are a good option, but we have to keep in mind that we are talking about a ballet leotard, it has to stretch and adjust to our body, so it can never be 100% cotton, it needs another fiber to make it flexible . And how do we get it? We have no choice but to add a synthetic fiber to the fabric.

Cotton jerseys are composed of approximately 90-92% cotton and 8-10% elastane. Of course, they are a good option for people with sensitive skin and if you like less tight models or a warmer fabric for cold weather. Although if you want a jersey that lasts a long time it is not the best option. Cotton tends to resist less than synthetic fibers, becoming loose in a short time, and tends to lose color sooner with washing.

Advantages: Warmer, softer and good for sensitive skin.

Disadvantages: They can give more heat. They spoil quickly and lose their color in a short time. The dreaded little balls can come out over time. They may shrink when washed. They do not hold Less flexible.

  • Nylon/ Polyamide.

Nylon or polyamide is the preferred fabric among dancers for its resistance and flexibility. Polyamide has the ability to stretch without breaking and return to its original shape, making it ideal for us. They provide greater support and if you are looking for a leotard with muscle retention or compression, this is undoubtedly the best option.

We can find polyamides of different qualities, so the fact that a jersey is made of polyamide does not ensure that it is perfect. We recommend that you look at the labeling and the certificates that the fabric has. A good indicator of quality, regardless of the type of fabric, is that it has the certificate OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which verifies that there are no harmful substances in the fabric or in its manufacturing phases. Sometimes you won't find these certificates on the labels, but you should be able to find this information on the brand's website.

Advantages: Very durable, ideal for sports with intense physical activity. Great resistance when stretching or shrinking. Very good hold. Very flexible, soft fabric. They are very breathable and dry quickly. They do not shrink when washed. Some have compressive features that will help the muscles recover after each exercise.

Disadvantages: They absorb water and therefore sweat very well, so it is possible that if you sweat a lot it will show a little, but don't worry because they dry VERY quickly.

The printing process is longer and more expensive than in other fibers, so it will be more difficult for you to find it in jerseys with prints, but not impossible! The jerseys of the collection Endless Spring They are made with recycled polyamides.

  • Polyester.

Polyester is the most used fiber in the textile industry due to its characteristics. Garments made with this fiber are easy to wash and dry, they do not shrink and do not wrinkle, and they also repel water and sweat. They absorb inks very well and tend to have brighter colours, which is why you will find that most printed jerseys are made from polyester.

Advantages: They repel water and sweat, so it's ideal if you sweat a lot or don't like it to show. Easy to wash and dry. Very light. They do not shrink. Breathable although less than polyamide. Extra soft. Brighter colors.

Disadvantages: They dry slower but they repel water so it can be a good option if you sweat a lot. They are more thermal materials and can give a little more heat. Very flexible. They retain, but less than polyamide.  

Take a look at our collections Pepa Y Blooming collection if you are looking for a jersey with these properties.

  • Spandex / Elastane / Elastane / Lycra®.

Elastane or spandex is the synthetic fiber that gives the fabric more flexibility, so you will find it in all your jerseys but with different names. But isn't LYCRA® then a fabric? NO! It's the trade name for the fiber that makes your leotard more flexible, so when you say you want a lycra leotard you're just saying you want a leotard that stretches. For example, when we said that the jersey could not be 100% cotton and needed another fiber to make it flexible, we were referring to elastane, spandex or Lycra®..., its name will depend on the manufacturer.  

And what is better? Polyamide, polyester or cotton? Well, as in everything there is not one good and one bad, and we can find all three in different qualities and combinations. Everything will depend on your preferences, needs.

And the microfiber and the supplex? We have not talked about these yet because they are combinations of the previous ones:

The microfiber is composed of 80% polyester and 20% polyamide, we return to the previous ones. It is characterized by being a very absorbent fabric (beware of sweat!) and very resistant (thanks to the polyamide).

Supplex®, or Supplex® Nylon, is the trademark for the fabric and is made up of elastane and polyamide to a greater extent (usually 85-88% polyamide and 12-5% elastane). You will normally see it on the label as Supplex® Nylon (you already know that nylon is polyamide) and Lycra® (elastane), this is because both fibers belong to the same fiber manufacturer.

It is important that when we buy we do it safely and knowing that we are purchasing, only then can we be 100% satisfied with our purchase!

We hope we have resolved all your doubts. See you soon!

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